Our Role as Catholics in caring for Mother Earth

Dear friends,

I received an email from a friend in our neighbouring parish, St Francis of Assisi. On the weekend of July 31 & Aug 1, they're starting with their first activity as part of their Feast Day celebrations: the Recycling Project. Their parishioners can participate by bringing any paper items for recycling on that weekend.

I found that the project is quite interesting indeed. And what is more interesting is that the article that my friend also included in his email regarding our Role as Catholics in caring for Mother Earth. Here I include what is written in the email :)

Please take a read on the article from this link http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac1008.asp about why as Catholics we should care for the earth, and to also connect it with St. Francis life. As an excerpt, some of the text are strongly worded and strikes to the heart of our Catholic faith in preserving our world.  For example:

"We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan; it is a requirement of our faith," write our bishops. "We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored."

In another section, connecting how St. Francis saw protecting nature and what we as Catholics are called to do:

To understand St. Francis of Assisi’s worldview of the sisterhood and brotherhood of all is to re-envision the works of mercy with eyes of wonder and inclusivity. Suddenly everything is held in reverence as mercy spills into every meal, cup of water, walk, time with children, etc. It is not a matter of doing more, but a matter of being mindful and reverent in the doing.

Please read the article for further explanations.